Kathrine Frich
He paints a picture of a government running out of money, time, and public support.
He paints a picture of a government running out of money, time, and public support.
Kremlin Faces Rising Dissent from Within
Russia is confronting a wave of nationalist dissent, as economic hardship and a faltering war effort shake public confidence in Vladimir Putin.
One of the most vocal critics is Maxim Kalashnikov, a well-known nationalist writer, who warns of impending economic and political collapse.
His recent blog posts mark a sharp turn from traditional pro-Kremlin rhetoric.
Putin’s War Loses Support Among Nationalists
Nationalists were once some of Putin’s most reliable supporters, backing the invasion of Ukraine as a necessary move to protect Russia.
Figures like Aleksandr Dugin even declared Ukraine’s sovereignty a direct threat.
Yet Kalashnikov now believes the war has gone too far, saying it risks destroying Russia’s future rather than securing it.
“The Economy Is Breaking Apart”
Kalashnikov describes Russia’s financial state in dire terms.
“Our economy has not yet collapsed completely, but it is already breaking apart,” he wrote.
He mocked suggestions of a nuclear arms race or extended military campaigns, calling them fantasy.
“That’s pure nonsense. We don’t have that much time.”
Russia Has Lost £89 Trillion to War
According to Kalashnikov, the war has drained around £89 trillion from Russia, money that could have been used for development and infrastructure.
He claims this massive loss will have lasting consequences, with future generations paying the price for today’s military ambitions.
Economic growth, he argues, has been sacrificed.
Reconstruction Costs Will Cripple the Budget
He also warns of the enormous financial burden Russia will face if it remains in Ukraine long term.
Rebuilding the war-torn country could cost tens of trillions more.
These reconstruction costs would divert funds from domestic needs and increase pressure on an already strained federal budget.
Risk of Delays to Pensions and Services
As funds are funneled into war and recovery, social services may suffer.
Kalashnikov notes that the Kremlin will struggle to finance pensions and pay state workers unless spending priorities shift.
“Putin will also need to work out how to fund the security services and state apparatus at least to pre-war levels,” he added.
Echoes of Soviet Collapse and 1917 Revolution
Kalashnikov’s comparisons are chilling.
“Economically, the situation is the same as in the USSR in 1985… politically it resembles February 1917, when the Tsarist regime collapsed.”
He suggests that Russia could be on the brink of a revolutionary moment, driven by dissatisfaction both in the streets and within the system.
“No Trust” Left in the Army
Support for Putin within his own armed forces is collapsing, according to another outspoken figure.
Pavel Gubarev, a former pro-Russian governor in Donbas, said:
“The Kremlin’s rating within the army is zero, there is no trust whatsoever.”
He added that soldiers understand what is happening but no longer believe in their leaders.
Kalashnikov Warns of Imminent Upheaval
In a stark conclusion, Kalashnikov writes:
“The Russian Federation faces a stormy political upheaval.”
He paints a picture of a government running out of money, time, and public support.
If his warnings are right, Russia may be heading for a dramatic transformation in the years ahead.
